What Steps Are Involved In Getting A Dental Implant?

Missing teeth can significantly impact one’s oral health and overall well-being. While traditional tooth replacement options such as dentures and bridges are available, dental implants have become popular due to their durability, natural appearance, and long-term benefits.

However, many people may hesitate to undergo the procedure because they are still determining what it entails. You must know the steps to get a dental implant in such cases. From the initial consultation to the implant placement and recovery process, you must be aware of tooth implants in King of Prussia.

Getting to know the steps involved in a dental implant:

Initial Consultation

The dentist will evaluate the patient’s oral health, take x-rays and impressions of the teeth and jaw, and determine whether the patient is a good candidate for the implant. The dentist will also explain the procedure in detail and discuss any patient concerns. This consultation is essential to the implant process as it helps the patient understand what to expect and allows the dentist to create a customized treatment plan.

Treatment Plan

After the initial consultation, the dentist will create a treatment plan based on the patient’s oral health, x-rays, and impressions to outline the number of implants needed, the location of the implants, and any necessary preparations, such as bone grafting or extractions.

The dentist will also provide a cost estimate and schedule the implant surgery. It is essential to review the treatment plan carefully with the dentist to ensure that the patient understands each step and is comfortable with the recommended approach.

Implant Placement

The dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the missing tooth during the implant placement. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone using a drill and other specialized tools.

The implant must integrate with the jawbone over several months before the abutment and crown can be placed on top. The dentist will provide instructions on caring for the implant during the healing period and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor progress.

Healing and Osseointegration

The healing process after implant placement involves osseointegration, which is the process of the implant fusing with the surrounding jawbone. It can take several months, during which the patient may need to follow a soft diet and avoid putting too much pressure on the implant site. The dentist will monitor the healing progress and determine when the implant can attach the abutment and crown.

Abutment Placement

After fully integrating with the jawbone, the abutment is placed onto the implant. It is a small connector that serves as the base for the artificial tooth. The gum tissue is then allowed to heal around the abutment for a couple of weeks. The patient returns for another appointment to take impressions of the abutment and surrounding teeth.